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this series of letters I noticed several from the Duchess of Marlborough and Pope. Others are by Robt. Harley, Bolingbroke, Wm. Shippen, and H. Bromley, and Mrs. Masham. And there is one letter (complimentary only) from Jonathan Swift, dated Dublin 1730. There is an index to the entire collection of the Cæsar letters.

I must be permitted to add that Mr. Cottrell-Dormer's hospitality and urbanity at Rousham left me nothing to desire. ALFRED J. HORWOOD.

THE MANUSCRIPTS OF J. R. ORMSBY-GORE, Esq., M.P., or BROGYNTYN, Co. SALOP.

The manuscripts at Porkington consist of forty volumes numbered, and numerous letters of the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. As will be seen from the brief sketch below, they afford much interesting matter illustrative of English and Welsh history and literature. volumes within the scope of the commission will be first briefly described.

The

No. 1. A folio volume, paper, 16th century, in Welsh. It contains a few chronological stanzas, genealogies of N. Wales; computum manuale, by David Nanmor; a tract on heraldry; and genealogies of families of North and South Wales.

No. 2. A folio volume, paper, 16th century, contains Welsh poetry to p. 433, by various persons; a table, seven leaves of Welsh heraldry, and a few more poems.

No. 3. A folio volume, paper, 16th century, 578 leaves; contains Welsh poetry of the 14th and 15th centuries. At the beginning is a list, in pencil, of the

authors.

No. 4. A folio volume, paper, 16th century. A Latin and Welsh dictionary to the end of the letter D.

No. 7. A folio volume, paper, 17th century. Welsh poetry by various authors.

No. 8. A 4to volume, paper, 17th century. Welsh proverbs translated into Latin (Welsh & Latin), by Dr. John Davies, of Mallayd (about 103 leaves).

No. 9. A 4to volume, paper, 17th century. The laws of Hoel dha, transcribed from the library of Thomas Allen, of Gloster Hall, Oxford.

No. 10. A small 4to volume of 211 leaves, of which the first 25 are vellum, and the others are paper, 15th century. The volume has been described by Sir F. Madden in his preface to the romance of Sir Gawain, printed for the Roxburghe Club; but as only a few copies were printed, it is well here to give a fresh description.

Fol. 1. Secundum Anticos Grecorum; being short prognostications for the results of sickness; lucky and unlucky days, and astrological notes; all in English.

Fol. 2a. Chronological and historical notes ending on 36, the last being of the battle of Agincourt.

Fol. 4a.-86. Kalendar, description of the veins in the human body, and a table of eclipses.

Fol. 8b.-4a. The knowledge of the impressions concerning the wedyring (a tract on the weather in English).

Fol. 12a.-27a. Romance in verse of Sir Gawain and the carle of Carlisle (printed by Sir F. Madden).

Fol. 28a.-536. A treatise of grafting and planting trees, and the craft of limning of books (printed by the Warton Club, 1855, p. 66). At the end, on a scroll, the name H. Hattu is written.

Fol. 54a.-57a. A poem beginning "Lovely lordyngs ladys lyke." (Warton Club, p. 1.)

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"57b. The ten wives tale, beginning "Love lystynes to ends, "He is not worth a nay.' 60b.-62a. A poem beginning "Lord, how shall I me "complayne." (Warton Club, p. 6.)

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Fol. 62a.-64a. A poem, beginning " As I went on my playing," Under an holt upon an hylle."

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It may be remarked that in Leicestershire is a place called Holt-on-the-Hill. It is possible that the author's locality may be thus indicated. Printed by Warton Club, p. 9.

Fol. 646.-79a. A poem in seven stanzas, beginning "The fadyr of pytte and most of mysericord ;" it is the vision of Philibert the hermit giving a conversation between the soul and body. (Warton Club, p. 12.) A French poetical version of this vision was printed at Paris, 1486, at the end of the Danse Macabre. Similar in spirit are some of the beautiful coplas of Don Jorge Manrique, a Spanish poet of the 15th century.

Fol. 796.-816. A poem, beginning " Lo worldly folkus, "though this processe of dethe." (Warton Club, p. 39.) These poems contain the verses, "Earth upon earth."

Fol. 816.-836. A poem, beginning "Bi a forest as I

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Fol. 130a.-132a. A poem, beginning " Be trewe and "hold that ye have hyzte."

Fol. 132a.-1356. The Stacyons of Rome. (Printed by Early English Text Society, 1867.)

1356.-1386. The Wife's Advice to her Daughter, a poem, beginning "The good wyf wold a pylgrimage. Fol. 139a.-150a. The story of the friar and the boy, begins "God that dyed for us all." (Warton Club, p. 46.)

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Fol. 150a.-152a. A poem, beginning "As I stod in a ryalle haulle." (Warton Club, p. 62.)

Fol. 152a.-154a. A short comic poem, beginning "Harkens to my tale that I schall here schow."

154a.-155b. Two love letters in verse, one begins "Honoure wit all mannere of heylle; " the other begins "Have alle my herte and be in peys.'

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Fol. 1556.-157a. A poem, beginning "As I cam by a "forest syde."

Fol. 1576.-184a. The siege of Jerusalem in prose, begins "Al men that wil here of the sege of Jerusalem." Fol. 184a.-188a. The technical words for numbers of animals, birds, &c.

Fol. 188a.-1996. Characteristics and qualities of men, beasts, and birds.

Fol. 191a.-1936. A prophecy in verse, beginning" when "the cocke in the northe hath byld his neste."

Fol. 195a.-1976. An English poem, headed with, and every verse ending with, the words Timor mortis conturbat me. It begins "Timor mortis conturbat me. This is my song in my olde age.

Fol. 198.-202. Two or three Christmas carols, and the song of bringing in the boar's head.

Fol. 233a.-207b. A poem, called Mercy and Righteousness, begins "Bi a forest as I gan walke; "ends "for mercy passes ryzttusnys.

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Fol. 2076.-2115. A tale of the merchant, beginning Lystens, lordynges, I yow pray, How a merchand can "his wyf betray.",

No. 12. A 4to volume, paper, 17th century, Welsh poetry.

No. 14. A 4to volume, paper, 17th century. History of the Gwydor family, by Sir J. Wynne, with additional pedigrees and notes. At the end of the volumes is the autograph signature "Ellis Humphrey." Mr. Wynne, of Peniarth, tells me that the pedigrees are by H. Humphreys, Bishop of Bangor, afterwards Bishop of Hereford. No. 16. A small folio volume, vellum, 13th century, by an English scribe. The Psalter glossed, Latin, double columns; imperfect, beginning in the middle of the 16th Psalm.

No. 17. A 4to volume, vellum, 13th century, Latin, double columns. Geoffrey of Monmouth's British history, not divided into books. On flyleaves at the end of the volume are seven columns of French verse of the 14th century, headed "Co est la chartre au diable fet al "Cuveitus."

Begins "Beau mester le mi direz,
Lu tenure sicum entendez.
Volunters le vus dirrai,

A la manere ke jo sai.

Sachent trestuz cen ke oir mettunt.

Ends "De quor e de dreit amur

Vers son prince e vers nostre seignur.

No. 19. A small folio, vellum 15th century. Tretyse of the seven poyntes of trewe love and everlastynge wisdom drawen out of the booke that is wretten in latyne and clepede Orologium Sapientie. Table and proemium of 7 leaves and 81 leaves of text. The introduction or address is to a lady (not named) by her chaplain (not named). The author of the Latin work was John of Suabia; the French translation by an unknown person has been several times printed.

No. 20. A 4to volume, vellum, 15th century, 105 leaves. This volume contains The Pricke of Conscience by Richard Hampole.

Begins "The mizte of the fadyr alle myzthy,
"The wyrth of the sone alle wytty."

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That had a moder full fayr of face." Ends (95 b.) God of hevene brynges us thedyr "That we may evere have joye togeder. Amen."

The remaining nine leaves are occupied with the seven penitential psalms in English verse, probably by Hampole.

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The Pricke of Conscience and the Trental of Pope Gregory have been printed from other manuscripts. No. 21. A folio volume, vellum, 14th century. At the head of the first page is written, in a hand a little later than the text of the volume, "Liber epistolaris quondam Ricardi de Bury, Episcopi "Dunelmensis;" and there is also the note " liber "monachorum Sancti Edmundi regis martiris," The volume according to a second numeration of the leaves begins now at fo. 53; after 199 comes 1000, and the numeration is continued to 1094 where the volume ends imperfectly. Five leaves, between 113 and 119, are absent. It is a beautiful specimen of writing of the reign of Edward III. The contents are copies of letters by and to different Popes to and by various Kings of England and other countries, letters to and by archbishops, bishops, and other ecclesiastics; many of the letters are to the King's officers in Gascony. With very few exceptions, the dates of the letters are not given; but the name or initial letter of the Pope or King, or Archbishop or Bishop, as the case may be, and the names of the persons mentioned in the body of the letter, would, I believe, with some trouble, and aided by reference to Rymer's Foedera and various Chronicles, render it possible to add the dates to most of the letters. That the letters are not here dated may be thus explained. The volume was doubtless compiled as a book of reference for the Bishop of Durham and his Secretary, when a formal letter was required to be written There are marginal notes showing the occasions of the letters, and now and then noting the merit of the style: and in the middle of the volume is a collection of blank forms for harangues and letters on various occasions composed apparently in A.D. 1255 by P. de.

Some of the letters are of the time of Henry II.; some of the time of Richard I., and those of the times of Kings Edward I. II. and III. are numerous. It is probable that some of the letters are little, if at all, known. For instance, it is well known that Richard I. declared Arthur, Duke of Brittany, his heir, if he himself should die without issue; and he arranged with Tancred, King of Sicily, a marriage between a daughter of that King and the young duke; and Tancred paid 20,000 ounces of gold to Richard in consideration (partly) of the arrangement. (See Radulphus de Diceto col. 657, ed. Twysden.) The Foedera, however, does not mention (although Hoveden does) Richard's letter to Pope Clement at fol. 33 bis of this volume, which shews that Richard agreed that he would repay the money if the marriage did not take place by reason of the death of either the Duke or the young lady, or by reason of the fault of Richard or the Duke. Mr. Ormsby-Gore has very kindly entrusted this volume to me for the purpose of fully examining the contents, for the use of the Commission.

No. 22. A 12° volume, vellum and paper, 15th century, in Latin.

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Early history of Britain, succession of Kings, and accounts of writers and saints (16 leaves). Here a new foliation begins, " Quædam omissa in subsequentibus et "hic merito inserenda: de ætatibus mundi. Begins with the Deluge, A.M. 1656, fol. 3. De orbis divisione ; fol. 4a. De Europa et ejus provinciis; fol. 5. Gallia; fol. 6. De Wallia et ejus origine; fol. 7. De Britannia et ejus partibus vide in altero parvo libello qui intitulatur Sic adest Britannia juxta promissum novissime describenda. De quibusdam personis sive regibus famosis que non fuerunt de regno Anglie; 12b. de Civitate Lincolnie et ejus preconiis (the author refers to Geoffrey of Monmouth, and gives the succession of the Bishops of Lincoln); fol. 19. The preface of Peter Comestor, and extracts from his work, and from Henry of Huntingdon; and other early history of the world down to Brutus : fol. 35. Incipiunt annales de gestis Britonum, Saxonum, Danorum, Normannorum, qui diversis temporibus regnaverunt in Anglia (begins with Æneas and ends fol, 78. with Ethelred).

No. 24. A 12° volume, paper, 16th century, in the original binding of dark leather; on each are the royal

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arms, in gold, and the inscription Rex Henricus VIII. Dieu et mon droit. Most likely it was the presentation copy to the King. On fol. 1. is the following dedication, "Unto our most Christian King, supreme head of the "Chirche of England, and of our happy remembrance King Henry the VIII. The contents three dialogues : The 1st, concerning a governance of the Church; the 2nd, is between the poore man and fortune; the 3rd between deth and the goer by the way. God keepe "the Kynge.' On fol. 2, "The interpreters of this "speeche be three, the Chyrche, the two bysschoppes, "the three dissemblars, the foole, the harlotte, and the ryche man." At the end of the third part are the words, "Your Grace's humble subject, Robert Radcliff, professor of Artes and scholemaster of Jesus Collegg, "in Cambrygg." An interesting little volume for its dealings with ecclesiastical and social matters.

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No. 28. A 4to volume, paper, 16th century. Poems in Greek, Latin, and Italian, by Charles Bill. Among them I noticed poems on the death of Parr, Marquis of Northampton, 1569; on the death of Walter Haddon, 1569; and on the death of a son of Walter Haddon, who was drowned in the same year.

No. 29. A 4to volume, paper, 17th century, contains an account of Sir Walter Raleigh's trial, in 28 pages; beginning" After that Sir Walter Raleigh was brought "to the bar, he sat down upon a stoole ;" ends "with his going back to prison, as a condemned man 'should do;' followed by two letters by him to the "King and Queen."

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Objections against the change of the name or style of England and Scotland into the name or style of Great Britain, to be moved and debated in the Conference. 4 pages.

The mappe or survey of a kingdom. Begins "The "understanding painter describing a battaile in the "livelie colours. 16 pages.

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A discourse of the first beginning and continuance of the traffique of the subject of the realme with forrayn nations (21 fos.) Begins Whosoever shall enter into "consideration of the present state of the intercourse.' Ends "and humbly desire it may receive no "other interpretation."

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The life of Mahomet, the Conquest of Spain, and the Ruin of the Saracen Empire (31 fos.) Begins "Most "writers accord that Mahomet." Ends "with "No. 34 of the Articles agreed in 1491, 'shall treat the "Moors with love and kindness." " A Life of Tiberius (6 fos.) Begins "Augustus of "famous memorie having concluded the last act of his "life and empire." Ends"the lot of a wicked

"prince to be unlamented."

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No. 30. A 4to volume, paper, 17th century. Essaies of conjecture upon certain negotiations touching peace between the Archduke and the States in Anno Salutis, 1607, by C. F. An offer made by the Archduke, and accepted by the States in April 1607. Begins "The "Archduke affecting nothing. (3 pp.)" Essaies of conjecture upon the aforesaid propositions and negotiations touching cessation of armes, and peace between the Archduke and the States, by C. F., "veri"tate et reverentia." "Begins "The scope of my conjectures." Ends (fos. 27.) "it seems of worth "to be preferred, else not."

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No. 39. A folio volume, paper, 17th century. Considerations for repressing the increase of Priests, Jesuits, and Recusants without drawing of blood; written by Sir Robert Cotton, Kt. and Bart. (24 leaves). Begins "I am not ignorant that this latter age. Ends "and others dishartened and counsell gravelie.'

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No. 40. A folio volume, vellum, 15th century, Latin, double columns, Higden's Polichronicon, ends at A.D. 1377. Higden's text ends at A.D. 1344, with the sentence, "Qua causa rex Anglie offensus sub anno gracie, 1344, provisiones per papam factas cassavit, et sic quis deinceps tales provisiones afferret sub pena capitis et carceris interdixit. Explicit polycronicon se"cundum Ranulfum monachum Cestrensem completa," &c. The additions begin, "Hoc anno nonas Junii "natus est regi Ed. 3° Edmundus apud Langeley" (13 leaves), ending with a character of Edward III.; the concluding words are," quod dolendum est longum con"tinuacionem diu postea habuerunt." Then follow 14 columns of a summary of the ages of the world.

There is a folio volume (not numbered), paper, 16th century, containing copies of letters and documents about the proposed marriage of Queen Elizabeth with the Duc d'Anjou. It begins with a protestation by the Queen and the Duke, that the contract was not to bind them until they had had personal explanations. Dated 11th June 1581. Instructions to Walsingham, 22nd July 1581, &c. &c. Ends with a letter dated 13th Sept. 1581, beginning "It may please you, my good lord, to under"stand that on Sunday the 11th of this month." The volume is of 28 leaves.

It

A vellum roll of the 13th century, about 40 feet long, with delicate drawings, coloured chiefly green. contains Scripture History down to the resurrection of Christ. At the commencement is an explanation of the Golden Candlestick, and at the end is an exposition of the Lord's Prayer. All in Latin.

A vellum roll of the 15th century, between 30 and 40 feet long. History from the Creation to Edward IV. Harold is lauded. King John is said to have been poisoned. All in Latin.

A vellum roll upwards of 30 feet long. The funerall proceeding of Queen Anne from Denmark House in the Stronde to Westminster Abbey the 27th daie of May, 1619. It gives the order of the procession with banners beautifully drawn and coloured.

Letters.

The letters are numerous. Most of them are of the 16th and 17th centuries; and a few are of the 18th century.

There are two large volumes with letters and papers between the blank leaves.

One of these volumes contains, amongst other things, copy of instructions to the Commissioners for levying and collecting the Aid money due to His Majesty for the marriage of the Lady Elizabeth, His Majesty's (James I.) eldest daughter.

Papers about Musters (end of the reign of Queen Elizabeth); copy of a Council letter, and copy of Lord Pembroke's letter to the Deputy Lieutenant of Carnarvonshire, on the same subject.

1593, the last of December. Copy of Council letter to ascertain what sons of gentlemen are sent beyond sea for education; it breeds corruption in religion and manners. And a copy of letter in answer.

1595. Copies of letters about the relief of maimed soldiers.

1595. Copy of Council letter about sending men to Ireland from divers counties in Wales.

1598. Receipt for 25 able soldiers for Ireland. 1612. Note of armour rated on the clergy; signed, H. Bangor.

1612. Copy of Council letter to seize the arms, &c. of recusants and ill-affected.

1636. Original Council letter to the Sheriff of Monmouthshire; to provide a ship of 400 tons, for North Wales; its value is 4,000l., the County of Merioneth to bear 4007. Instructions (4 pp.)

1637, July. Council letter calling for the arrears of the above.

1639, April 29. Edinburgh. The Covenanters to the Earl of Essex, on his assembling forces at the Borders. Signed by Argyle and thirteen others.

The Civil War letters are nearly all to Sir John Owen, Sheriff of Carnarvonshire.

1644, Aug. 3. From Prince Rupert at Chester, to Sir John Mennes, Kt., Governor of N. Wales and others ;Enquire what moneys have been levied for the King for armes, powder, repaire of bridges, poll money, &c.; what is unexpended pay to the High Sheriff to be employed in the public service.

1644, March 29. Prince Rupert to Sir John Owen; to receive the contributions of the hundred of Grethin, &c. for the support of the garrison and town of Conway. 1644, Oct 23. Prince Maurice to Sir John Owen; orders him to march to-morrow with all foot, &c, to Ruabon and rendezvous in the first great field between that and the river Dee, by 9 o'clock on the way to Newbridge. 1643, Nov 10. Rowland Vaughan (Sheriff), Owen Salisbury, and Edmund Meyrick to . . ., the Parliament forces have taken Wrexham and those parts, . . . fear an advance, are going to raise 100 musketeers to repair to Edyrnion, to be billeted there on the charge of the county.

1643, Feb 14. Oxford. to a printed proclamation. of 201.

Sign Manual of King Charles
Asks Mr. Wynne for a loan

19 Car. 1. Nov 13. Copy of a letter from King Charles (not addressed); expects soldiers from Ireland to provide clothes, shoes, stockings, and apparel for 500 men, and victuals for 4,000 for 15 days, or money sufficient for the same use, to be brought to Conway, where he has appointed a magazine.

1644, May 16. From Prince Rupert at Salop. He will confirm the appointment of John Morgan to be Governor of Harlech Castle.

20 Car. 1, Dec. 10. Prince Rupert appoints Sir John Owen to be Governor of the Castle of Conway (parchment, with seal).

1644, Jan. 27. John Byron to Sir John Owen; complains of having made journies and written volumes of letters to Wales, and only received promises but no performance to help to retrieve Chester; makes another appeal. Brereton, Middelton, and Miller are drawn about the city; the garrison weak.

Numerous letters and notes by King Charles, Prince Rupert, and Prince Maurice, and John Byron in 1644 and 1645, relative to the rebellion in Wales, the siege of Chester, &c.

1644, Feb. 17. From Prince Maurice (at Ruthen). A proclamation about his soldiers who had deserted; all mayors, &c. to seize them.

1644, March 2, 3, 7, 12, 16. Five letters from Prince Rupert to Sir John Owen about the enemy, and with regard to Sir John Owen's troops.

1644, March 3. Prince Maurice (at Chester) to Sir John Owen; hears that the enemy intend to force their passage into Wales, either by Hoult pass or some of the fords; tells him to draw all his foot together to be at the rendezvous on Common Wood at four that afternoon, where he is to expect further orders from him; when drawn together he is to send the Prince an exact list of his number of foot.

1644, March 20. Prince Maurice (at Chester) to the Sheriff's and Commissioners of Array for the counties of Denbigh and Flint; to search for arms left by the soldiers of Anglesey, Merioneth, and Carnarvon in several houses in the counties, and bring them to Wrexham for the King's service.

1645, April 2. Prince Rupert to Sir John Owen and Col. Thelwall. Order to march, with the 1,000 men which were to be raised out of the counties of N. Wales, and all others they can get, to Hereford, and then to receive further orders from him.

1645, April 7. King Charles (at Oxford) to the High Sheriff of Carnarvon. Asks for a list of all persons who have come into Carnarvonshire from other counties (countersigned by George Digbye).

1645, April 12. John Byron to the Sheriff and Commissioners of Array of the counties of N. Wales. Directs them to have troops ready at an hour's notice to aid the Prince in the relief of Chester. Indorsed, Received the 29th April).

1645, July 20. King Charles (at Ragland) to Sir John Owen. Endeavours to effect a reconciliation between Sir John and the Archbishop of York (Williams).

Copy of articles of high treason exhibited against the Archbishop by Sir John Owen.

Extracts from Hacket's life of Williams. Countercharge by the Archbishop.

1645, July 20. King Charles (at Ragland) to the

Sheriff of Anglesey, Carnarvon, and Merioneth. Asks them to enter into an association with South Wales to raise forces, place garrisons, &c. against the Scots and other invaders and rebels.

1645, July 27. King Charles (at Ruperry) orders the goods in the castle of Aberconway to be kept safe from embezzlement, and to let the respective owners have them; they were put there for safety while in the Archbishop's hands.

1645, Aug. 3. John Byron at Lluenny to Sir John Owen. He is to harass the rebels in their incursions into Merionethshire.

1645, Sept. 28. Renewal of Sir John Owen's Commission to be governor of the castle and town of Con

way.

1645, Oct. 2. John Byron (at Chester) to Sir J. Owen and the Mayor. Orders them to draw together the forces of the three counties of N. Wales, and go to Chester and keep open the markets on that side, and annoy the enemy; has ordered his regiment of horse to join Sir John; tells him to add what gentlemen and other are possible.

1645, Dec. 8, Copy of King Charles's pass for Col. Tutshell; provide a barque for him to go to Ireland. 1645, Dec. 21. William Neale to Byron. Tells that Capt. Dutton got into Chester safe with the money and ammunition, and the enemy had left Chester and gone over the bridge. Asks for forces.

(1645) Dec. 21. Gilbert Byron to Sir J. closing copy of letter from Sir W. Nealle. his forces will come with speed (since the drawing off) toward Ruthland.

Owen, enAsks that enemy are

1646, April 24. John Ebor. (the Archbishop of York)

to Sir John Owen. Tells him to make use of the writer's provisions and arms at Llanrwst (in Gwydyr) against the rebels.

16. . Sept. 3. The archbishop of York to several Welsh gentlemen. A long letter suggesting a meeting to consider the King's letter, &c.

1646, Nov. 9. Copy of agreement between my Lord of York and other Commissioners appointed on behalf of Major-General Writton and Col. Richard Lloyd and others, Commissioners for Sir John Owen, Governor of the castle of Conway, for surrender of the castle. 16. Sept. 9. Winchcome. Sir John Owen to his wife. The King has raised the siege of Chester to their general joy; he hopes ere long to write of the passage between the King and that traitor Essex; he has borrowed of David Lloyd the drover 107., “which I "desire you of all love to pay upon sight of this my "letter. Essex is here in a straite and wishes himself "att London again."

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1647, April 10. Prince Rupert (at Paris) to Sir John Owen. Invites him to enter the King of France's service, where he had taken service to command the English.

1649, Dec. 30. John Carter to Robert Anwill, Esq. Demands the 1,2001. due to Mr. Owen and ordered by the Committee. (Copy.)

1650, May 17. J. Carter and George Twiselton to Edward Meyrick. Demands 150l., for which he stood bound, part of the 1,2001.

Other letters about it. (Carter wanted the money to pay his soldiers.)

Copy of a letter to O. Cromwell by W. Allen with his tract"Killing no Murder."

Copy of charges against Sir John Carter. He petitioned for the execution of the King, when Cromwell turned out the Parliament. Carter, with others, was entrusted with the command of Wales, and for his services was knighted; he was one of the Commis sioners for the propagation of the Gospel in Wales, and acted violently; gloried in his actions; was active in the service of Richard Cromwell, and served as a Parliament man in Richard's time. After Richard Cromwell was removed by the Rump Parliament, Carter was entrusted by them; when the army turned out the Rump, he was active in their service and employed by them; being burgess of the Parliament did sit, and own his title of knighthood given him by Oliver Cromwell for one month after his Majesty's happy arrival.

The other large volume contains many letters of the 16th and 17th centuries; amongst others

Letters and Council letters about musters, troops for Ireland under the Earl of Essex, 1596; the purveyance for her Majesty's house; and—

1587, Aug. 9. Copy Council letter with reference to a large fleet, supposed to be Spaniards, said to be seen off the Scilly Isles.

1589, Jan 9. Copy Council letter. The Queen thinks

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the King of Spain will make another attempt the spring or summer; trained bands to be kept in readiness. 1593, Dec. 31. Copy Council letter, about sending of children out of the kingdom for education.

1594, Nov. 21. Lord Pembroke to the Sheriff, &c. of Carnarvon. With this they will receive copies of Council letters for restraining the high price of grain, and Her Majesty's printed book of orders concerning the same.

1596, Nov. 7. Copy Council letter. Intelligence of great preparations of the King of Spain; musters; none of the gentry are to leave.

1598, June 18. Copy Council letter, about forces for Ireland.

Copy letter (3 leaves) from Charles Howard to the Lord Treasurer; gives account of his engagement with the Spaniards; action against the fleet of Calles (Cadiz). Sir Walter Raleigh several times mentioned. It is dated aboard the Ark, 8th July.

Another portfolio of letters contains, amongst others, 1615, Oct. 23. Rowland White (at London) to the Bishop of Bangor. The Earl of Somerset is committed to the Dean of Westminster, and Sir Oliver St. John appointed to be his keeper; the Lady Somerset confined to the Lady Knollys house, great with child and near her tyme. Mrs. Thomas, a gentlewoman of the Lady Somerset, committed to the Sheriff of London. Whiteackers, a gentleman of the Earl of Sommersett's committed. Weston, a fellow preferred by Mrs. Turner's medicines to the Lieutenant of the Tower, was appointed to wait on Sir Thomas Overburie when he lived a prisoner in the Tower; the man was examined and confesses to have received by the hands of some of the above-named three or four sorts of poison, which he gave Overburie, of which he died, and had for his reward 2001. This fellow is indicted for the poisoning of him, and upon his arrainment stands mute and refuses the ordnance triall. Tyme will discover more. Mallory and Massy competitors for the bishoprick of Chester. Massy is too strong and hath taken a better way.

1645, March 30. John Byron to Sir John Mennes and Sir John Owen and others. Order to administer the protestation accompanying.

Protestation that he believes the Earl of Essex, Sir W. Brereton, Sir Thomas Middelton, and Sir Thomas Mitton and their adherents to be in rebellion against their King, and agreeing to uphold the King.

1646, June 20. Water Eaton. Copy of Articles for surrender of Oxford to Fairfax.

1646, Sept. 14. Copy letter of King Charles to Col. Salisbury authorizing the surrender of the Castle of Denbigh.

1646. Many letters by John Byron.

1655: Several original papers relating to an intended insurrection.

1657, April 30. Copy of Oliver Cromwell's speech to the Parliament. Begins "I think you very well remem"ber what was the issue of the last conference."

1589, Feb. 18. Council letter (signed by Lord Chancellor Hatten and others) to W. Maurice, Deputy Lieutenant, and to the Sheriff of Carnarvon, about a ship lately taken in prize.

1611. Ralph Eure to Sir Wm. Morris.

1612, April 4. Copy of a Council letter to look out for Lord Maxwell (whose son a few years before brake prison and fled beyond seas), who was at Bourdeaux a few days ago.

1612, April 6. Letter from Ralph Lord Eure communicating the above.

1624, Sept. 13. Copy of Council letter for general musters à propos of Spinola's army in Cleveland, and parts thereabouts; danger to the Protestant cause; preservation of our dominions.

1648, March 9. Copy letter from Ormond to Col. Michael Jones, Governor of Dublin, inviting him to join the King; and copy of the Colonel's reply.

Another portfolio contains historical letters and papers from about the time of the restoration to the revolution. They are mostly addressed to Sir John Owen and Sir Robert Owen.

1659, July 22. Holograph letter by James Duke of York (at Brussels) to Hears of his affection for the King; the time draws near for action; is resolved to have his part in it.

12 Car. 2., Oct. 18. King Charles II. to the Dean and Chapter of Winchester. Requests that Wm. Owen may have the church of Grifford.

1685, June 13. W., Bishop of St. Asaph, to Sir Robt. Owen, about the Duke of Monmouth's intended invasion,

No date. The same to the same. On a question whether he ought to give an oath on a treaty for marriage.

1685, June 13. The Duke of Beaufort to the same. Monmouth has landed at Lime; tells him to have the militia ready, to communicate this letter, and seize dangerous persons.

1687-8, March 24. Lord Chancellor Jeffreys to Sir Robert Owen. The King has made him Lord Lieutenant of Salop.

1688, January 3. A news letter. Accounts of riots in different parts of the kingdom; doings of the Prince of Orange; his visit to the Queen Dowager. Lord Dartmouth searched a yacht and found a priest who confessed he said Mass to Lady Scott, the Governor's

wife.

List of the officers slain and wounded before Limerick at the taking of the Counterscarp, and storming the town, August 27.

A printed broadside. Petition of Major-General Harrison, Mr. Cooke, Mr. Cary, Mr. Hugh Peters, and the rest of the Regicides to the Court of Parliament. Satirical; defending their conduct by comparison with those who deposed King James II., and praying that they may be restored to their lives, limbs, and estates, and that a suitable monument be erected to their merit.

A portfolio containing lots of Welsh poetry on separate sheets of paper, much of it in the handwriting of the bards, 16th and 17th century.. These poems are valuable for pedigree. Many of the poems being gratulatory and for special occasions, and giving notice of the dates of births, deaths, and marriages.

There are a great many papers of pedigrees of the Godolphins, Middeltons, and others.

Many letters of the Godolphins and by O. Wynne and Sir Rich. Myddelton.

Α

A letter by Ellen Godolphin gives town news. quarrel between Mr. Andrews and the Duke of Wharton about Mr. Andrews' wife; he challenged the Duke; the Duke would not accept it; but at last they met; the Duke would not draw his sword.

Many very interesting letters by O. Wynne to Sir Robert Owen in the last quarter of the 17th century. They are, with one exception, unsigned and sealed with the arms of Scotland, surmounted by an Earl's coronet.

1586. Some law papers between Robert Earl of Leicester and other persons show that red deer were then common in the wild districts of Carnarvonshire.

1590, last of September. Copy of Council letter. Doubt of an attempt by the enemy is taken away; beacon watches to be discharged.

1590, Oct. 9. Original letter by Lord Pembroke sending the above copy to the Deputy Lieutenants.

1590, Oct. 13. Henry IV. of France (at the camp at Gisors). Certifies that he has knighted William Sackville for his service in Spain, &c. Autograph of the King. Seal gone (See Milles's Catalogue of Honour, p. 413).

1603, Feb. 19. Ann Wynne Brynker to Sir William Maurice her brother. She says that Sir William was His Majesty's godfather, and intituled his Highness King of Great Britain.

(1616). William ap William to Sir William Maurice. My Lord Chief Justice was disappointed of his place, and Sir Harry Montacue, the recorder of London, is sworne Lord Chief Justice; and as soon as my Lord Cook hard that he was to be sworn, he took his horses, and to the country he went. One of the Masters of the Chancery was killed; his name was John Tindall going home from his coach to his chambers

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at Lincoln's Inn, he was killed by an old man of 60 years, whom he dealt very hardly withal; and so the old fellow hanged himself in prison.

1620, May 17. William Brinker tells Sir William Maurice that last week he was at Bangor and drawn "by my Lord" to give a double tenth to maintain the wars in Bohemia; it came to 6l. 12s. 4d.

1621, Dec. 18. Copy of the protest of the House of Commons, entered in the clerk's book. (King James went to the House and tore this protest from the Clerk's book.)

1621. Copy letter of James I. to Secretary Calvert (dated from Royston). He reproves the Commons about their assertion of their privileges. They said it was their inheritance. He says that it was by the grace and permission of his ancestors.

9 Car. I. Letter under seal for the repair of St. Paul's Cathedral.

1665, Sept. 24. Lord Carbery to Sir Richard Wynn,

Bart., and other Deputy Lieutenants for Carnarvon. On examination of persons engaged in the rising late attempted in London, finds that they had correspondence in Wales with Vavasour Powell; bids them seize and imprison the disaffected.

1692, May 21. Letter by Trevor Lloyd (at Redriff). Mobs in London; thinks the town will be in a blaze before morning; notices the success of the English fleet, and design for a descent into Normandy.

1714. A large collection of letters in French, from Elizabeth Poulteney to Monsieur or Madame de Ners; dated from Twickenham and London. The person addressed seems to have been instructor of Miss Poulteney.

1743, March 10. A. S. Cotton, Custos Rotulorum for the Co. of Denbigh, to Wm. Owen, J.P. for Denbigh. The King has received news of the Pretender's arrival in France, and of the preparations at Dunkirk for an invasion.

A large portfolio of News Letters for the year 1688 and beginning of 1689. These are full of interest.

A portfolio of letters by members of the Godolphin family, at the end of the 17th century and during the 18th century. They are chiefly of a domestic nature. One from Sidney Godolphin to his wife is dated from the camp at Oudenarde in August 1694; another from Bruges, July 13, 1695, gives notice of fighting.

1733, Sept. 6. F. Godolphin (at Thames Ditton) to Mrs. Owen (his sister). They now say the Prince of Orange will not come till the beginning of October. Lady Suffolk buys all the Princess Royal's clothes, and has an unlimited expense allowed her. She has bought six gowns, six sacks, and six night-gowns and laced heads, and every thing else in proportion; in short she is to be as fine as hands can make her; she is to be married in her robes the night he arrives.

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1741, Feb. 22. Margaret Godolphin to Mrs. Owen. The Prince of Wales has the measles. a pretty sight to see the King and the Princess meet at St. James's very moving she had cryed all night, her eyes were all swelled; she knelt and kissed his hand; could not speak, would not let his hand go; he kissed her; came three or four times and spoke to her.

1749, June 28. F. Godolphin to his sister. Prince George was carried off by the Prince of Wales to Kensington on Sunday, and was sent for into the King's closet before chapel, where his Majesty knighted him and invested him with the riband, assisted by the Dukes of Dorset and Grafton; and the little man was sent to stay with his Aunt Caroline till chapel was over; which prevented her hearing prayers and sermon which was to have been performed that day by the Provost of Eton, who was not sorry to be excused, having an aguish disposition upon him, and can never be well long together in London."

1608. Bond from Griffith Vaughan to Ralph Lord Eure, in the penal sum of 607. The condition is that if Griffith Vaughan, on the grant of Lord Eure, had obtained by the King's Patent the confirmation of the Charter of Harlech, for having the two great sessions, and the four quarter sessions, to be always held at Harlech, and should pay 301., then the bond was to be void.

Exemplification under the Great Seal, March 5. 1st James I. of a release by Henry VII. of several customs in Wales. (This is printed in the Archæological Journal, vol. 21., p. 64.)

Narrative of sundry remarkable accidents which befel cattle in the county of Merioneth, these four years last past (5 pp. 4to.). The accidents were caused by certain mysterious vapours. (Quære, printed in the Philosophical Transactions.)

Court Rolls of Breannyarth, county of Montgomery, temp. Hen. VI., and court-books for the same manor, of later date. (This manor was granted to an ancestor of Mr. Ormsby-Gore for taking prisoner, Oldcastle Lord Cobham.)

Before closing this paper I must record my obligations to Mr. Ormsby-Gore, who although Brogyntyn was under repair and not occupied, yet made me his guest in his temporary residence on the borders of the park. And I had the advantage of the assistance of Mr. Wynne of Peniarth, then a visitor, whose MSS. are described on other pages of this Appendix.

ALFRED J. HORWOOD,

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